MENU
SEARCHAgency projects add homes, offices, and millions in tax revenue as WMATA fast-tracks more joint development deals.
WMATA is nearly halfway towards achieving its goal of 20 additional joint development agreements by 2032.
Photo: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently announced a new progress report highlighting three years of success for the metro’s joint development real estate program.
The agency’s joint development program collaborates with developers to build housing, offices, and other amenities on WMATA's property. It is a form of transit-oriented development that generates new ridership and revenue and adds new housing, jobs, and tax revenue to the region.
So far, the program has delivered eight projects in three years totaling 1,490 residential units (813 affordable) and one million square feet of office space, resulting in $15 million in new annual tax revenue for local jurisdictions according to a new progress report on the metro’s 10-Year Strategic Plan.
Five new developments, either under construction or expected to break ground in 2025, will add another 1,270 residential units and 422,000 square feet of office, generating $22 million in new annual tax revenue.
“Metro has completed more joint development projects than any other transit system in the nation, and we’re not slowing down,” said WMATA GM/CEO Randy Clarke. “Over the last three years, the metro team has developed and implemented strategies to accelerate joint development because we know the value that it brings to the region’s economy, residents, and the metro system.”
WMATA is nearly halfway towards achieving its goal of 20 additional joint development agreements by 2032. Since 2022, the agency’s board has approved five new joint development agreements, and staff are in negotiations on four additional agreements.
To achieve this milestone, WMATA has updated transaction templates, streamlined processes, and retained external real estate advisors and counsel, with a goal to complete future negotiations in six to nine months.
Plus, the agency recently executed an amended Joint Development Agreement for Takoma with EYA for a 434-unit residential building with 17,000 square ft. of retail and a 1.8-acre park, and a Joint Development Agreement for Twinbrook with Hines will be executed this month. The Twinbrook joint development includes a 437-unit residential building with 5,000 square feet of retail. Both projects are expected to break ground in 2027.
To give the WMATA’s stakeholders and the public increased visibility into the joint development program, the agency is launching a new Joint Development Tracker that shows all completed projects, their fiscal impact, and future development sites.
WMATA is launching a new Joint Development Tracker that shows all completed projects, their fiscal impact, and future development sites.
Source: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
In 2024, WMATA released four solicitations, from which they selected developers for two stations and a third is expected this fall.
According to an agency statement, the agency’s site planning and solicitation process reduces risk and increases site marketability through right-sizing transit facilities, controlling the cost of replacement assets, and utilizing updated solicitation templates.
WMATA’s 2025 Progress Report identifies 29 million square feet of remaining development potential across 41 stations, with the potential to generate an additional $300 million in new annual tax revenue. Station prioritization groupings help the metro staff manage internal resources, and local jurisdictions understand and proactively address challenges to development.
Since 1975, WMATA’s 59 projects have created 10,800 residential units, 5.7 million square feet of office development, and 1.3 million square feet of retail development across 32 stations, generating $220 million in annual tax revenue.
Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.
Read More →
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Read More →
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Alstom, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Transdev US, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Although volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels, NYMTC’s latest Hub Bound report shows rising transit use, shifting commute patterns, and continued recovery.
Read More →
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
Read More →
With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.
Read More →
The new system introduces tap-to-pay, touchscreen kiosks, and updated Breeze cards, with both old and new systems running through May.
Read More →
As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.
Read More →
As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.
Read More →
Updated financial plan reflects ridership growth and cost controls as the Washington region’s transit system celebrates five decades of operations.
Read More →
